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      Wayne Rooney’s infamous slap of Wade Barrett during WWE appearance stemmed from row over striker ‘diving’ for Man Utd

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      WADE BARRETT revealed Wayne Rooney’s infamous slap on him during a WWE appearance in 2015 stemmed from a row on Twitter.
      Barrett, a passionate Preston fan, was gutted after the ex-England captain scored an 88th minute penalty for Manchester United against his club.

      Wayne Rooney slapping Wade Barrett during a 2016 WWE appearance

      The former ‘Nexus’ leader then took to Twitter to call the England forward a diver for how he won the penalty.
      Rooney, whose kids are big wrestling fans, then challenged Barrett to a WrestelMania match – which never materialised.
      Instead, when the WWE came to the UK, the Premier League legend was involved in a scripted scrap as he slapped Barrett across the face.
      Lifting the lid on the story, Barrett told Metro: “At this point, I’m heartbroken.

      “I immediately in my anger, tweet Wayne Rooney accusing him of diving, threatening to give him a Bullhammer’.
      “Then I put my phone down, I move on, calm down, forget about it.
      “He ends up replying, this goes into a kinda jokey back and forth where we’re going to have a WrestleMania match, but then obviously it all dies away and nothing happens.
      “I start suggesting to the guys in the management team. He wanted to come backstage with his kid, and meet Triple H and a few others.

      “They brought me into the room too, we had a quick chat and suggested this idea to him. He was down for it, his kid was really excited about it.
      “We did what we did – had a little jaw-jack, I talked a little smack like I tend to do, and he slapped me!
      “That was it, it was a lot of fun.”

      WWE legend Kurt Angle reveals how Vince McMahon denied his dream retirement match against John Cena More

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      Man Utd ‘set to return for Ousmane Dembele with January transfer bid as Barcelona look to offload winger’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are looking to return in January with a bid to sign Ousmane Dembele from Barcelona, reports suggest.
      United failed with every attempt to bring a winger to the club in the summer window, including their doomed saga with Borussia Dortmund’s Jadon Sancho.

      Man Utd are reportedly looking to return in January with a bid to sign Ousmane Dembele from BarcelonaCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      They instead signed striker Edison Cavani on a free, but Old Trafford boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is still keen to enhance his attacking options.
      According to Mundo Deportivo, United will look to sign 23-year-old Dembele in the winter sales.
      But they are said to be looking for a six-month loan with no option to buy.
      That proved to be a stumbling block last time around as Barca instead wanted to sell the Frenchman permanently.

      The Spanish giants – now managed by Ronald Koeman – missed out on signing Lyon’s Memphis Depay as a result of not selling enough stars.
      Dembele, who has attracted attention from Liverpool before, remained in LaLiga and has featured seven times, starting three games this season.
      The £124million signing has just two years left on his contract, with his transfer value decreasing after every window.
      ⚠️ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

      But with United appearing unwilling to commit to anything other than a temporary loan deal, they could fail in a pursuit for Dembele.
      Solskjaer is under increasing pressure at Old Trafford, after they slumped to consecutive defeats, first to Arsenal in the league and then at Istanbul Basaksehir.
      The club are already reported to have approached former Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino as a possible replacement – although SunSport understands no contact has yet been made.
      They travel to fourth placed Everton this weekend placed 15th in the table.

      Jamie Ohara says Ole Gunnar Solskjaer must take responsibility for Man Utd defeat against Istanbul Basaksehir More

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      Man Utd’s greatest European wins, from beating Bayern Munich in the last minute to George Best’s demolition of Benfica

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      FORGET defeat to Istanbul Basaksehir.
      Over the years, Manchester United have enjoyed more favourable nights in Europe.

      Manchester United have enjoyed many a glorious a night in EuropeCredit: Alamy

      The Red Devils have won the European Cup/Champions League three times, as well as the Europa League, European Cup Winners’ Cup, Super Cup, Intercontinental Cup, FIFA Club World Cup – notching some famous victories along the way.
      So if you’re feeling glum United fans, you need not worry.
      Let SunSport take you down memory lane for Manchester United’s greatest European victories.
      MAN UTD 2-1 BAYERN MUNICH, 1999
      They came into the game as underdogs, severely hindered by the absence of midfield hardman Roy Keane and Paul Scholes, who were suspended.

      And for large periods of the game they were outplayed, and in truth were lucky to be only 1-0 down going into the final moments of the 1999 Champions League final.
      The Germans appeared victorious, substituting legend Lothar Matthaus, who received a hero’s welcome as he was clapped off the pitch in the last minute.
      But as the game went into injury time, a scramble in the box was only half-cleared. Ryan Giggs mishit a shot outside the box that fell to Teddy Sheringham, who scuffed the ball home.
      Then, just seconds later and with United sniffing blood, they won a corner which was whipped in by Beckham, headed down by Sheringham for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to stick out a foot and knock the ball into the roof of the net.

      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer celebrates United’s winner against Bayern MunichCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd

      United remarkably scored twice in injury time to clinch victoryCredit: Getty – Contributor
      MAN UTD 2-1 BARCELONA, 1991
      Being underdogs in European finals has always suited United.
      In 1999, they faced Johan Cruyff’s Barcelona – featuring Ronald Koeman, Michael Laudrup and Julio Salinas in their star-studded line-up in the 1991 European Cup Winners’ Cup final.
      However, that all-star Barça side didn’t scare United one bit.
      After a drab first half, United took the lead in the second after a Steve Bruce header was tapped over the line by Mark Hughes.
      The Welshman spectacularly added his second of the night with 16 minutes to go, rounding goalie Carles Busquets and finishing from a tight angle from outside the box with a ferocious shot.
      A late free kick from Koeman failed to stir a comeback, and it was United’s night to celebrate.

      Mark Hughes races past Carles Busquets to fire the ball into an empty netCredit: PA:Press Association

      Mike Phelan, Bryan Robson and Lee Sharpe celebrate United’s famous victoryCredit: Hulton Archive – Getty
      PSG 1-3 MAN UTD, 2019
      When United lost the first leg of their last 16 tie in the Champions League to the French champions in 2019 2-0, few gave them a prayer to comeback.
      History was against them, no team had EVER lost a tie 2-0 at home and won an away leg to go through to the next round of the competition.
      However, two first half goals from Romelu Lukaku put United in dreamland.
      Then, a controversial VAR decision for handball gave Marcus Rashford the opportunity to score from the penalty spot, which he did with aplomb.
      It’s still, probably, United’s best performance under boss Solskjaer.

      Marcus Rashford celebrates sealing victory from the penalty spot against PSG in 2019Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      JUVENTUS 2-3 MAN UTD, 1999
      United don’t do things the easy way.
      On their way to winning the 1999 Champions League, they faced off against Italian giants Juventus in the semi final, who boasted Zinedine Zidane and “That lad must have been born offside” Filippo Inzaghi.
      After scraping a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford, United found themselves 2-0 down after 11 minutes in Turin and were heading out.
      But Roy Keane saw things differently, leaping above Zidane to head home from a corner and give United a lifeline.
      Then came the Dwight Yorke and Andy Cole show, with the latter crossing for the former Aston Villa man to head home an equaliser.
      Cole sealed the sensational comeback, after tapping in from a tight angle when team mate Yorke was brought down after rounding the keeper.

      Roy Keane led by example to help United fight back from 2-0 down to beat Juventus in Turin in 1999Credit: Allsport

      Nicky Butt, Teddy Sheringham, David Beckham and David May celebrate United’s epic comeback in the dressing room after the gameCredit: Manchester United FC
      BENFICA 1-4 MAN UTD, 1968
      The stage was Wembley Stadium, a fitting arena for United’s first ever European triumph.
      And it was their favourite son George Best who stole the show, scoring a wonder goal to set his side on their way to victory in the ’68 European Cup final.
      The game headed into extra time, when a late Jaime Graça levelled Bobby Charlton’s earlier strike.
      Like he was famous for, Best went on a mazy run three minutes into the first period of extended time.
      Faced with goalie José Henrique, he threw him with a dummy before rolling the ball into the empty net.
      United added twice more to end with a comfortable 4-1 win.

      George Best skips past José Henrique to slot the ball into the empty net in the 1968 European Cup finalCredit: Hulton Picture Company

      United’s 1968 triumph was their first European Cup winCredit: Action Images
      MAN UTD 1-0 BARCELONA, 2008
      On their way to winning the 2008 Champions League, United were handed a tough tie against Barcelona in the semi-final.
      The first leg finished 0-0, with Cristiano Ronaldo missing a penalty, so it might’ve looked like they’d blown a good opportunity.
      But when Paul Scholes ferociously rifled a shot past Victor Valdes from 25-yards in the 14th minute, they began to believe another final was their destiny.
      And despite the efforts of a young Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta, Thierry Henry, and Samuel Eto’o – Barcelona were kept at bay by a brilliant defensive performance from Rio Ferdinand and Wes Brown.
      Wild scenes followed the final whistle with the Theatre of Dreams rocking from the crowd’s cheers.

      A Paul Scholes rocket from 25-yards saw off Barcelona in 2008Credit: PA:Press Association

      Scholes’ goal put United into the 2008 Champions League finalCredit: AP:Associated Press
      MAN UTD 7-1 ROMA, 2007
      It goes without saying, but before this moment Sir Alex Ferguson and Manchester United had enjoyed so many glorious nights in Europe.
      But Fergie would later say that this was his side’s best ever performance under him in European competition.
      You might have forgotten, but United were 2-1 down going into the second leg of this quarter final match.

      And this was a Roma side full of talent – with Daniele De Rossi and Francesco Totti their talisman.
      But they were powerless as United raced to a 4-0 win before half time with goals from Michael Carrick, Alan Smith, Wayne Rooney, and Cristiano Ronaldo.
      Ronaldo added a fifth, Carrick then got his second, before Patrice Evra got himself on the scoresheet to record an 8-3 aggregate win.

      Cristiano Ronaldo netted twice in United’s 7-1 demolition of Roma in 2007Credit: Reuters

      Sir Alex Ferguson called the 7-1 win over Roma the greatest European performance under his managementCredit: Action Images

      Man Utd boss Solskjaer refuses to comment on future after ‘unforgivable’ defending in Istanbul humbling More

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      Mauricio Pochettino ‘looking’ at Man Utd job, hints Jan Vertonghen as he discusses ‘impatient’ ex-boss

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      MAURICIO POCHETTINO is ‘looking’ at a Premier League job, with Manchester United firmly in the frame, according to his former Spurs defender Jan Vertonghen.
      Belgian ace Vertonghen, 33, reckons his ex-manager is ‘impatient’ after sitting on the sidelines for 12 months since getting the boot from Tottenham.

      Mauricio Pochettino is lining up a Prem job according to Jan VertonghenCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Poch, 48, has long been linked with the Old Trafford hot seat and the Argentine coach’s name was bandied around again in the aftermath of United’s 6-1 demolition by Spurs, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer feeling the heat.
      Although Benfica centre-back Vertonghen did not mention the Red Devils by name – out of respect for current bosses – his criteria for a ‘big team’ matches up perfectly with United.
      He told CBS Soccer’s Que Golazo podcast: “I can imagine he’s impatient.

      “I think the English league suits him very well as he’s a manager that prioritises fitness levels and the physicality of the game.

      “I think managing in the Premier League is probably the best thing he can do.
      “He will always want to coach a big team I guess, so you have to look at the biggest teams in the league and there are only two or three you can really look at I think at this point.
      “I won’t name them out of respect for the other managers, but I think that’s what he’s looking at as well and he wants that big team to confirm him what he’s been doing with Tottenham and what he did very well.
      “If I was him I would be impatient because he really loved his job and you want to continue that.”

      Vertonghen left Spurs at the end of last season when his contract expired and signed for Portuguese side Benfica on a three-year deal.
      Pochettino remains the bookies’ favourite to be the next permanent boss at Old Trafford.
      He was recently linked with a move to take over at Russian side Zenit St Petersburg but his former charge Vertonghen believes he would prefer a move back to England.

      Agbonlahor says Man Utd should sack ‘soft’ Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and replace him with ex-Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino More

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      Solskjaer slams ex-Man Utd stars for attacking Mason Greenwood and says ‘they don’t know what they’re talking about’

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      OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER has launched a massive defence of Mason Greenwood despite his off-field problems.
      Greenwood, 19, was expelled from the England camp last month for disciplinary reasons.

      Greenwood was accused of being late for training – but Solskjaer has denied the claimsCredit: Splash News

      This week it was reported that he had twice been late for training and had an attitude problem.
      He has been left out the last two Manchester United squads with an apparent ‘niggle’.
      But his manager claims the player is no problem at all as he prepares to bring him back into the fold for the game against Chelsea on Saturday evening.

      Solskjaer said: “I’m not concerned at all with Mason making a target for himself.

      “He has come in played fantastic, kicked on and then he makes a mistake for England.
      “But he’s never ever late for training.
      “I’ve seen some ex United players talking about him and they don’t know what they’re talking about.
      “He’s got a good family behind him.

      “He’s a good trainer and I cannot believe all these stories about him not being professional, that’s something we have to deal with many players, many other players at United have had that.
      “We have a great record and tradition of bringing our players through, that means from early on you get good habits, you express yourselves.
      “Mason’s come through this programme, done fantastic and will be kicking on I’m sure, he’s a very exciting boy to work with.”
      United return to Old Trafford for the visit of Chelsea after two impressive away performances in beating Newcastle 4-1 and PSG 2-1.

      But Solskjaer says nothing will ever be enough to erase the memory of their last home game when they were hammered 6-1 by Tottenham.
      He said: “I don’t think anything will erase that memory.
      “It’ll always be in the history books and we have always got to live with having that result.
      “You can look back at different reasons why we had that result but we have got to move forward.
      “It’s happened so many times at this club that you have results out of the blue or setbacks, so far we have bounced back well.”

      Solskjaer has backed Greenwood after the youngster’s latest troublesCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Troy Deeney says that Man Utd star Fred is Solskjaer’s weak link and gives away the ball More

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      Man Utd star Axel Tuanzebe, who kept Neymar and Mbappe at bay against PSG, also holds Hungry Hippos world record

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      IT was the night Axel Tuanzebe came of age.
      Faced with superstars Kylian Mbappe and Neymar, the 22-year-old defender put on his best display in a Manchester United shirt – as the Red Devils shocked PSG to win 2-1 in the Champions League.

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      Axel Tuanzebe is now tipped to play a significant role for Man Utd this season after his display against PSGCredit: Getty Images

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      Tuanzebe enjoyed a coming of age performance against PSGCredit: Icon Sport – Getty

      Now, he’s at the age where he can push for a first team spot and has given boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer another option in a defence that has seemed brittle at best this season.
      But Tuanzebe also has a hidden talent, away from his footballing brilliance.
      Incredibly, he holds a Guinness World Record for the fastest time to clear a game of Hungry Hippos.
      HUNGRY FOR SUCCESS
      Just before Tuanzebe was sent on loan to Aston Villa in 2018, he joined his Manchester United team-mates on a preseason tour in Los Angeles.

      There he was asked to take part in a game of Hungry Hippos for fun.
      But somehow, as an individual, he finished it in just 17.37 seconds – managing to record a world record at the same time.
      For those who missed out on the famous game as a child, it features four hippos in a circle with a handful of balls in the middle.
      Players each choose a hippo and need to use it to collect as many marbles as possible before they are all taken.

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      Kylian Mbappe wasn’t given an inch by TuanzebeCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      Tuanzebe is not just a upcoming footballing star, but also holds a Guinness World Record in Hungry Hippos gameCredit: Instagram @roshaunwilliams

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      The Hungry Hippos game is a favourite pastime for many young children, where players have to swallow as many marbles as possible using their hippoCredit: Amazon
      COMING OF AGE PERFORMANCE
      The Congo-born defender, who moved to Rochdale as a child before joining United at the age of eight, found himself frozen out at Old Trafford with the signing of Harry Maguire.
      His last appearance before his defensive masterclass in Paris came back in December 2019, so he could’ve been excused for rustiness.
      However, his top-class display had Solskjaer purring – with pundits including Rio Ferdinand demanding Tuanzebe should be a starter.
      After the PSG game, Solskjaer said: “We know that when you go away against a team like this, against players like Neymar and Mbappe, top, top players in the world, we know we have to defend well.
      “We know David De Gea will have to make a few saves. Sometimes you’ll get in a foot race with Mbappe and you’ll have to run with him and we know Axel’s qualities – he’s a top defender.
      “First game in, I don’t know, 10 months or something, which is just testament to the quality he has.”

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      Axel Tuanzebe signed a three-year contract with the option of an extra year and has impressed boss Ole Gunnar SolskjaerCredit: Getty – Contributor

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      Tuanzebe joined Manchester United as an eight-year-old and rose through the ranks to make his first team debut in January 2017Credit: Getty – Contributor
      INJURY HELL
      One of the reasons Tuanzebe was MIA for United was due to a series of niggling injuries that hampered what was supposed to be his breakthrough season with the Premier League giants in the past year.
      And he admitted it certainly affected how he felt emotionally.
      He said: “You’re just looking at the other lads progressing, the games being played, just counting the amount of games you’re missing and getting messages left, right and centre, asking when you’re coming back and stuff.
      “It’s tough in that respect, but I’ve had good people around me who have kept me going, [who] motivate me every day, and I motivate myself to know that there’s light at the end of the tunnel.
      “(I’d like to say thanks) especially to the rehab and S and C [strength and conditioning] guys.
      “I’m constantly with them every day, and trying to strengthen any weak parts and do general conditioning, so it’s been really good.”

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      Tuanzebe is joined by fellow England stars Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Angel Gomes, Jesse Lingard and Marcus Rashford at UnitedCredit: Instagram @axeltuanzebe_38

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      Tuanzebe is an England youth international, but could still turn out for the country of his birth, DR CongoCredit: Rex Features

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      With his injury hell behind, Tuanzebe will be pushing for a place in Uniteds first teamCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Often preferring the central defensive role, the England youth international has sometimes been pushed out to right-back while he is capable of playing in the middle of park.
      And he is hungry to prove his worth, telling the club’s TV channel: “Manchester has always been my home so to be amongst the lads again is great, I want to push on and show everyone I’m ready for it.”
      After his display on Tuesday, he looks it.

      PSG 1-2 Man Utd – Rashford the Champions League hero again in Paris More

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      Watch Bruno Fernandes shout at Alex Telles for not passing quickly enough as Man Utd fans hail him as ‘captain material’

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      BRUNO FERNANDES has been hailed as ‘captain material’ after footage emerged of him shouting at Alex Telles for not passing quickly enough.
      The playmaker, 26, transformed United’s midfield after signing from Sporting Lisbon last January and is set to skipper Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side for the first time against Paris Saint-Germain this week.

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      Bruno Fernandes has been hailed as ‘captain material’ after footage emerged of him shouting at Alex Telles for not passing quick enoughCredit: Manchester United FC

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      Fernandes appeared frustrated with Telles in training Credit: Manchester United FC

      And fans reckon he is the perfect man for the job after a clip showed Fernandes criticising new left-back Telles, 27, in training.
      It came after Telles – who arrived from Porto this summer – was intercepted in a passing drill, which Fernandes took exception to.
      The pair were former league rivals in Portugal.
      But United fans were full of praise for Fernandes as he took leadership on the training ground.

      One said: “Bruno Fernandes is 100% captain material. Losing his cool with Alex Telles for not moving the ball on quickly enough.
      “These are the levels we need!”
      Another said: “Doesn’t matter if he gets the armband. Guys influence is visible.
      “He has a winner mentality and anyone that fails to get on the level will just be dropped.”

      Tbh, you actually need players like this in the team. Especially if the players are good enough to hold others to higher standards. https://t.co/ic5buMVUJs
      — wolf in cheap clothing (@wxlfpvp) October 19, 2020

      He was a brilliant captain for Sporting..
      — scott laird (@kisscheeks) October 19, 2020

      He is a winner and on a different level to anybody at the club and is apart from Cavani, enjoy him while we can can’t see him being at club long far too good for us.
      — Andrew J. Naismith (@Gonk83) October 19, 2020

      Doesnt matter if he gets the armband. Guys influence is visible. He has a winner mentality and anyone that fails to get on the level will just be dropped. Love ir
      — theARTofBokkaBoom (@BokkaBoom) October 19, 2020

      The team-mates were training ahead of United’s opening Champions League group stage qualifier.
      But they will face French champions PSG without new striker Cavani and regular captain Harry Maguire.
      Cavani has only just become available to play following his two-week self-isolation period after travelling to England and has been left behind to work on his fitness.
      Solskjaer started Maguire for the game at Newcastle – with the England defender even getting on the scoresheet.
      But with the ex-Leicester ace clearly desperate for a breather, he has been left at home for the PSG game.

      Edinson Cavani joins Man Utd in training for the first time More

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      Man Utd boss Solskjaer reveals Cavani ‘didn’t feel ready to play’ as he misses emotional return to PSG

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      MANCHESTER UNITED manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer revealed Edinson Cavani ‘didn’t feel ready to play’ against Paris Saint-Germain and will miss out on an emotional return.
      The Uruguayan striker left Ligue 1 champions PSG this summer after seven years in the French capital.

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      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer revealed Edinson Cavani ‘didn’t feel ready to play’ against PSGCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      He signed for United on a free during transfer deadline day, but will not play against his former club in the Champions League opener.
      Manager Solskjaer told RMC Sport: “We wanted him to be there too, but he went without playing for a long time.
      “We thought it was better for him to continue training. To better prepare.
      “Edi knows what he wants and what he needs. He didn’t feel ready enough.”

      Captain Harry Maguire, Mason Greenwood, Jesse Lingard and Eric Bailly will also not feature against PSG.
      With Maguire out, Bruno Fernandes will inherit the armband for the game.
      And Fernandes praised Cavani for his opening impression at the club.
      He said: “It’s normal that he isn’t here, with only two days of training he needs to feel better.

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      United signed Cavani on a free transfer this season Credit: PA:Press Association

      “He’s settled down well. We did only one training session together. He likes to train hard.
      “He has qualities to be a leader for us, the way he trains. He’s going to be important to us.”
      In the pre-match press conference, Fernandes appeared surprised when finding out the news he would captain United.
      He said: “I was not expecting this, for me it’s an honour to be captain of Manchester United.
      “It is an important achievement for me but I think everyone is the captain, everyone needs to help and be a leader in their own way, leadership is different in every player.
      “The game will not be about me but the team but leading is every day on the training ground, every game and everyone is doing their job to lead the team in the way they think is best.”

      Edinson Cavani joins Man Utd in training for the first time
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